Swollen Throat

A swelling in the throat may arise due to several reasons, with bacterial and viral infection being the most common amongst them. The following article provides a brief overview of this condition.

Rajib Singha

Swollen throat is a symptom manifested during several respiratory disorders. The common accompanying symptoms include redness, dryness and itching in the throat. It may also cause difficulty and pain while swallowing. Other severe symptoms which may accompany the swelling, include vomiting, bleeding, development of pus in the throat, or skin rash.

Responsible Factors

One of the most common causes is sore throat, caused by a viral or bacterial infection. While viral infection is a common cause of swollen sore throat and gets resolved on its own, the bacterial one, although uncommon, requires treatment.

Throat inflammation may be the result of an allergic reaction, or the consumption of spicy and acidic foods. Eating extremely hot or cold foods can also cause the throat to swell up. It may also occur as a result of any physical trauma to the mouth or the throat.

Other causes could include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Nasal congestion

Dehydration

Vomiting

Canker sores

Chronic coughing

Smoking

Snoring

Medication

Home Remedies

The precise treatment depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial infection is treated using antibiotics, whereas a viral infection generally resolves on its own. Apart from medications, there are a few simple but effective home remedies to manage the pain and other bothersome symptoms of the condition. These are as follows:

Drinking a mixture of lemon juice, hot water, and some honey, once in a day helps to soothe the pain.

Another simple remedy is drinking black tea with some black pepper, and a few ginger cloves, added to it. Ginger is anti-bacterial in nature, and curbs bacterial growth.

Drinking green tea several times a day also helps in reducing the irritation of a swollen throat. It does help in hastening the recovery. You can add honey to improve the taste and the efficacy of the tea, as well.

Boil some basil leaves in a cup of water, and strain the mixture. Drinking it several times a day, serves as an effective remedy to deal with bacterial infection.

Infuse dried sage (1 tsp.) in boiling water (1 cup), and allow it to cool for about ten minutes. Strain the mixture, and add vinegar to it. Consuming this mixture or using it for gargling, helps to alleviate the symptoms.

Most cases of swollen throat are a result of bacterial or viral infection, and can be prevented through good hygienic practices like keeping the hands clean, abstaining from sharing personal items, using tissues or handkerchiefs while sneezing, etc.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.